Neurosciences University of Bonn

English

The MSc Neurosciences programme aims towards an integrated understanding of modern neurosciences over the full spectrum of current research, ranging from molecules and physiology to morphology. A strong emphasis is placed on practical research experience in the laboratories of the participating departments and research groups. Mandatory courses on neuromorphology, neurophysiology, and molecular neurobiology will lay the foundation in the first semester. At the same time, students will have the opportunity to focus their interests on any of these fields or select from a wide spectrum of courses addressing topics such as neuroethology, neurogenetics, clinical neurosciences, cognitive neurosciences, reconstructive neurobiology, neurodegenerative diseases, computational neurosciences, etc. For up-to-date information, see: https://www.neurosciences.uni-bonn.de/.

31 March for the following winter semester

The MSc Neurosciences course programme is consistently modularised according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). A total of 120 credit points (30 per semester) will be accumulated during two years of study. For maximum choice and compatibility, the curriculum is divided into modules, combining courses, lectures, seminars, and laboratory work. During the first semester, three compulsory modules (7.5 credit points [CP] each) provide the basics of neuroscience. Additionally, students have to choose one elective module (7.5 CP each) during their first semester. In the second semester, a fourth compulsory module propagates knowledge in statistics, scientific writing, and research ethics. Three elective modules (7.5 CP each) from different research fields complete the second semester. In the third semester, students have to select two elective practical courses (lab rotations, 15 CP each). Finally, in the fourth semester, the programme is completed by writing the Master's thesis (30 CP).
For details and current information, see: https://www.neurosciences.uni-bonn.de/curriculum.

The programme is involved in the European University NeurotechEU, an alliance of nine leading European universities and over 250 partners from industry, academia, and civil society. They aim to build an innovative, trans-European network of excellence for brain research and technologies.

No tuition fees

The University of Bonn is a public university, meaning that it does not charge tuition fees. However, all students must pay the so-called social contribution (semester fee) of about 330 EUR per semester. It includes among other things a student transit pass for public transport and a statutory accident insurance.

Compared to the rest of Europe, living in Germany is not very expensive; in fact, it is only slightly above the EU average. The cost of living for students in Bonn is around 800 EUR to 1,000 EUR, with apartment rent accounting for the largest share.

The programme is open to both domestic and international students. Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree or higher in biology, psychology, medicine, physics, or related fields with outstanding grades and/or other study results.

Solid knowledge in subjects such as molecular biology, cell biology, or physiology, as well as laboratory experience in at least one of these subjects, is required as an entrance requirement.

To have a realistic chance of acceptance, you will need to have an average Bachelor's result of at least 78% (in a grading system with a passing level of 50%). The minimum grade for application is 2.3 in the German grading system.

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills, e.g. Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) min. 79 or IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (e.g. a proven extended stay in an English-speaking country, DAAD language test B2, Cambridge B2, UNIcert B2, or "Abitur" for German applicants).
Having English as the medium of instruction in the Bachelor's studies is not sufficient!

As a working knowledge of German is necessary for daily private activities, German courses are strongly recommended.

31 March for the following winter semester

No

It is possible to apply for student assistant jobs directly at the different institutes at Bonn Medical School or Bonn University.

Some of the principal investigators (PIs) involved in the Bonn MSc Neurosciences programme offer student assistant jobs to candidates during the Master's thesis period.

Several selected students will be offered a student assistant job as a tutor for the freshmen class during the first mandatory modules. Prerequisites include outstanding grades in the relevant modules.

Students of the University of Bonn can apply for a room in a dormitory of the Studierendenwerk Bonn (further information: https://www.studierendenwerk-bonn.de/en/accommodation/). 

For more information on housing in Bonn, please visit our website: www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/university-life/living-in-bonn.

The University of Bonn has a central career service, which provides a range of advice and support about choosing a career and applying for jobs. Moreover, international students can join the "iStart" career programme, which teaches participants tangible knowledge and valuable skills that will enable them to write successful applications for jobs in Germany. The programme is geared toward giving students a successful career path both during and after their studies, thus making it easier for them to enter the job market.

With its more than 200 years of tradition, the University of Bonn is synonymous with world-renowned research at the highest level. Many of our departments have earned a stellar reputation in comparisons with both national and international competition. This is partly why we are one of 11 Universities of Excellence in Germany and are clearly among Europe’s top universities according to a number of prestigious rankings.

Together with our partners across the world, one of our aims in teaching and research is to help overcome some of the major economic, technological and societal challenges of the future through our joint efforts. In addition to research and teaching collaborations with partners around the globe, the University of Bonn is characterised by its diverse student body with more than 4,800 international students and doctoral candidates from over 135 countries.

The University of Bonn enjoys a high reputation worldwide for its research and teaching, which is also reflected in many international rankings in which it regularly ranks among the top 100 in the world. This international orientation has a long tradition: the university has maintained relationships with universities abroad for a long time. For example, the University of Bonn cooperates with over 300 partner universities from 45 countries within the framework of student exchange programmes. The internationality of the University of Bonn is also reflected in its range of courses: there are now 43 international degree programmes, many of which are taught entirely in English or other foreign languages or lead to a double degree with a partner university.

Good teaching forms the basis for enabling students to think, act and discuss topics scientifically. This is why it is so important for the University of Bonn that there is a lively exchange between students and lecturers. This is the only way to provide a comprehensive and excellent education. As an internationally renowned research university, we place particular emphasis on research-oriented teaching, which will be further promoted in both Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes in the coming years.

As the former capital of Germany and the seat of the United Nations in Europe, Bonn stands for internationality and diversity. It is a beautiful and historic city located on the banks of the Rhine and also known as the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. At the same time, it is a modern, lively and cosmopolitan city with a high quality of life.

The city of Bonn is an international business location that continues to grow dynamically with DAX companies and around 16,000 small and medium-sized enterprises. Close networking between business and science has produced pioneering technologies, e.g. in the information and communications industry or the healthcare sector.

Bonn is known internationally for the location of the United Nations, which now has 25 institutions, and also for around 150 other organisations that operate across national borders from Bonn. The strong growth – especially in knowledge-oriented services – makes Bonn so attractive that the city is predicted to have the highest population growth in NRW. With over 4,800 international students from more than 135 countries, the university contributes significantly to the international flair of the city of Bonn.